Leaf width is variable among Fingerhuthia africana plants. This mature, green, dense tuft seen north of Springbok shortly after rain in August bears narrow leaves, closer to the 1 mm minimum than the 4 mm maximum. The blades are flat or folded, the ligules long.

The above-ground plant component grows from a strong root system in the sandy or gravelly soil (Van Oudtshoorn, et al, 1991; Lowrey and Wright, 1987; iNaturalist).